SUKHOTHAI, Thailand (Interstat) — Sukhothai opened its Thai League 1 season with a 2-1 victory over Nakhon Ratchasima on Saturday at Thung Thalay Luang Stadium. The home side overcame a late deficit with two goals in a four-minute span. Substitute Bukkoree Lemdee equalized in the 69th minute before forward Gildo put Sukhothai ahead in the 73rd. Nakhon Ratchasima midfielder Baggio Rakotonomenjanahary scored a consolation goal in the 87th minute. Defender Sarawut Kanlayanabandit, who assisted on Sukhothai’s winner, received a yellow card in second-half stoppage time. The result defied a pre-match statistical projection of a draw, handing Sukhothai an early win while Nakhon Ratchasima begins the campaign with a loss.